OCVarsity Kickoff '16: Beckman preview

Scouting report: The Patriots will mix experience at a few positions with youth at others. They return one of the best quarterbacks in the league, senior Dean Nagle, who is a three-year starter. They also feature running back/linebacker I’Jon Akahi, also a three-year starter. Left tackle Trent Rasmusen is another key two-way returner. Overall, the Patriots return five starters on offense and three on defense. Beckman suffered a blow when junior defensive back Matt McLain decided not to play football because of prior baseball commitments. Safety Justin Cheng and corner Liam Molina are returners in the secondary.

Bottom line: The Patriots have finished 4-6 the past three seasons and haven’t made the playoffs since 2012. They’ll need to protect Nagle, find production from emerging receivers Zack Heller, Molina and Willie Lajoise and improve on defense if they want to reach the postseason.